FOOTBALL: SOLIHULL Moors ended their pre-season schedule with an entertaining 3-3 draw at home to one of non-league football’s oldest clubs in the shape of Kidderminster Harriers, reports John Clothier.
Marcus Bignot’s side were buoyed by their mid-week success against Gloucester City and with injuries to Theo Streete, Jack Byrne and Charlie Morris, there was one final chance for Moors’ recent signing to make an impression at the Automated Technology Stadium on Saturday.
The home side almost made a perfect start when Stefan Moore’s cross into the box eluded the Solihull front men but Darryl Knights shot for goal and despite a handball appeal the ball was eventuall cleared.
On 14 minutes Knights floated in a free kick from some 35 yards and Liam Daly rose above the defence with a perfect knock down for Harry White to convert from short range for the first goal of the match.
Four minutes later Jamey Osborne fired in from distance forcing a fine parry from Hornby before Moore pounced to double the score.
Kidderminster were anything from down beat as they took the game by storm and their pressure paid off on 28 minutes.
McQuilkin struck a superb free kick inside the post giving Lewis no chance and on 35 minutes the visitors pulled level when Ngwatala headed White’s cross home to make it 2-2.
Ghanoua was thwarted by an excellent save from the Moors shot stopper as was the impressive Dieseurvwe as the visitors poured forward and as the whistle for half time beckoned Harriers took the lead; This time Ghanoua picked up the ball as he ran into the 18 yard area and with Lewis unsighted behind a defender stabbed the ball into the net from close range.
Ryan Beswick stung Hornby’s hands with a low drive but the visitors deserved their lead at the break – Moors had lost momentum and needed to regroup.
Fagbola and Asante replaced Beswick and White for the restart and the recovery was under way although Lewis needed all his experience as the Harriers front men looked for the fourth with Dieseurvwe slewing the ball across an open box, and Ngwatala testing him with a powerful header on 55 minutes.
Knights was causing problems with accurate shots and passes whilst Connor Franklin’s long throws were creating opportunities in the Kidderminster box. Liam Daly took every opportunity to get forward. New signing Omari Sterling-James was on for the last 20 minutes and almost immediately Moors equalised – Osborne’s 25 yarder was turned round for a corner – Knights corner was knocked down by Daly and the number 5 trialist smashed the ball into the net.
The game flowed from end to end as both teams looked for a winner – Kidderminster had the ball in the net in the penultimate minute of the game but it was clearly off side, Lewis smothered a header from Dieseurvwe whilst Stefan Moore threaded the ball across the goal area but it eluded the Moors attack.
Moors are away next Saturday in the Vanarama National League when they visit Sutton United in Surrey KO 3.00 pm. At the time of writing there are a few seats left on the supporters coach – see web site for further details. Then on Tuesday 9th August they have their first home game of the new season against Woking KO 7.45 pm, whilst on Saturday 13th August Bromley visit the ATG stadium KO 3.00 pm
Lewis, Murombedzi, Moseley, Daly, Trialist, Franklin, Moore, Osborne, White (Asante), Beswick (Fagbola, Sterling James), Knights. Subs not used : Hill, Gough .
